EP3643195B1 - Hinged bracelet with concealed hinges - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a bracelet with articulated links, comprising at least a first link and a second link, and at least one articulation between a said first link and a said second link which comprises a tongue which is arranged to pivot in an opening between side flanges of said first link together forming a double yoke.

The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a bracelet.

The invention also relates to a jewel comprising such a bracelet.

The invention also relates to a method for assembling such a bracelet.

The invention relates to the fields of watchmaking and jewelry, and more specifically articulated bracelets for wearing a watch or a piece of jewelry.

Background of the invention

Articulated bracelets for watches or jewelery conventionally comprise pins threaded from the side, and remaining visible after they have been fitted by driving in and/or gluing. Often their large diameter makes these pins unsightly, and any reduction in their dimensions makes them difficult to install and remove. In addition, the housings of these pins constitute areas of accumulation of dust and fatty substances, which are difficult to remove other than with ultrasound.

The document EP0243315A1 in the name of CHATELAIN describes a bracelet with articulated links, in particular for a watch, in which the links are articulated on elements made of a material of great hardness, in particular these elements of great hardness are rubies. The articulation comprises an axis capable of rotating in the elements of great hardness integral with a first link, the axis being integral with a second link adjacent to the first, and comprises axial positioning grooves cooperating with bulges in the second link. This axis ends on each side with a freely rotating pivot in the elements of great hardness. The links are in particular in two parts in the direction of the height, these parts being welded to one another after the establishment of the axis with the elements of great hardness.

The document JPS55 57314U describes an articulated bracelet comprising links each formed of two complementary half-links, upper and lower, enclosing hinge pins.

The document JP2015 029806A in the name of CASIO COMPUTER describes an articulated band designed to allow a user to freely choose and combine a material grade and a shade of a piece of band or link.

The document US1405851A on behalf of LEWIS describes a detachable link bracelet chain having bendable arms for holding them together.

Summary of the invention

The invention proposes to produce assembled bracelets, made up of functional and/or decorative components, in various and varied materials, without any assembly component, such as a pin, screw or the like, being visible and apparent on the side of the bracelet, nor any introduction machining such as a closed bore after the introduction of the articulation element, nor any development specific to this articulation.

To this end, the invention relates to a bracelet with articulated links according to claim 1.

The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a bracelet.

The invention also relates to a jewel comprising such a bracelet.

The invention also relates to a method for assembling such a bracelet.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée, et en plan, un tronçon de bracelet selon l'invention, comportant un maillon externe en forme de H majuscule, avec deux doubles chapes, comportant chacune deux tourillons complets dénommés tourillons externes, tournés vers le milieu du maillon et opposés l'un à l'autre, et coopérant chacun avec un demi-palier que comporte une langue d'extrémité d'une partie inférieure d'un maillon interne, lequel est de forme différente du maillon en forme de H et inséré dans la double chape porteuse de ces deux tourillons externes, en partie gauche de la figure; cette partie inférieure d'un maillon interne s'étend ici sur une demi-épaisseur du bracelet, et est délimitée par un plan passant par un axe d'articulation selon lequel sont alignés les axes de ses deux demi-paliers ;
• la figure 2 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, une partie inférieure d'un autre maillon en forme de H majuscule avec deux doubles chapes, dans la configuration inverse de celle de la figure 1 : chaque chape comporte un demi-palier, agencé pour recevoir un tourillon complet, dénommé tourillon interne, que comporte une langue d'extrémité d'un autre maillon interne, lequel est de forme différente du maillon en H, et inséré dans la double chape porteuse de ces deux demi-paliers, en partie gauche de la figure; cette fois c'est la partie inférieure du maillon en H qui s'étend sur une demi-épaisseur du bracelet, et est délimitée par un plan passant par un axe d'articulation selon lequel sont alignés les axes de ses deux demi-paliers ;
• la figure 3 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective, un tronçon de bracelet selon la configuration de la figure 2, où deux maillons internes, ici non limitativement de l'épaisseur du bracelet, comportent des tourillons complets qui sont logés dans les demi-paliers respectifs de la partie inférieure d'un maillon en H, laquelle comporte une chambre intérieure d'allègement ;
• la figure 4 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 3, le même tronçon de bracelet qui est complété par une partie supérieure de maillon en H, comportant des demi-paliers, et disposée sur la partie inférieure de ce maillon en H, et fixée à cette dernière, par collage ou similaire, ou par fixation depuis une surface inférieure non visible quand le bracelet est porté par un utilisateur, de façon à enfermer de façon invisible les tourillons des deux maillons internes ;
• la figure 5 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 4, un autre tronçon de bracelet, qui correspond à la variante de la figure 1, et qui comporte un maillon en H ici non limitativement de l'épaisseur du bracelet, muni de tourillons, lesquels sont enfermés de façon invisible entre les demi-paliers supérieurs et inférieurs de parties supérieures et inférieures de maillons internes;
• la figure 6 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective, un bracelet comportant une telle alternance de maillons externes en H et de maillons internes, avec un fermoir intermédiaire, et des maillons d'extrémité pour sa fixation à une boîte de montre ou similaire ;
• la figure 7 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en plan, une montre munie d'un tel bracelet ;
• la figure 8 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en plan, un bijou muni d'un tel bracelet ;
• la figure 9 représente, de façon schématisée, et en plan, un tronçon de bracelet avec une autre variante de maillon externe avec deux doubles chapes, comportant un maillon transversal joignant ses flasques latéraux, et comportant une traverse de jonction coopérant avec les demi-paliers supérieurs et inférieurs de parties supérieures et inférieures de maillons internes intermédiaires, qui sont agencés pour venir en superposition du montant transversal ou dans son prolongement ;
• la figure 10 représente, de façon schématisée, et en plan, un tronçon de bracelet avec encore une autre variante de maillon, tous les maillons étant en forme de Y et réalisés en deux parties, supérieure et inférieure.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, where:

• there figure 1 represents, schematically, and in plan, a bracelet section according to the invention, comprising an external link in the shape of a capital H, with two double clevises, each comprising two complete pins called external pins, turned towards the middle of the link and opposite each other, and each cooperating with a half-bearing that includes an end tongue of a lower part of an internal link, which is of a different shape from the H-shaped link and inserted in the double yoke carrying these two external journals, in the left part of the figure; this lower part of an internal link here extends over half the thickness of the bracelet, and is delimited by a plane passing through a hinge axis along which the axes of its two half-bearings are aligned;
• there picture 2 represents, similarly to the figure 1 , a lower part of another capital H-shaped link with two double clevises, in the reverse configuration of that of the figure 1 : each yoke comprises a half-bearing, arranged to receive a complete trunnion, called internal trunnion, which comprises an end tongue of another internal link, which is of a different shape from the H-shaped link, and inserted in the double clevis carrier of these two half-bearings, in the left part of the figure; this time it is the lower part of the H-shaped link which extends over half the thickness of the bracelet, and is delimited by a plane passing through a hinge axis along which the axes of its two half-bearings are aligned;
• there picture 3 represents, schematically, and in perspective, a bracelet section according to the configuration of the figure 2 , where two internal links, here not limiting the thickness of the bracelet, comprise complete journals which are housed in the respective half-bearings of the lower part of an H-shaped link, which comprises an inner relief chamber;
• there figure 4 represents, similarly to the picture 3 , the same bracelet section which is completed by an upper part of an H-shaped link, comprising half-bearings, and arranged on the lower part of this H-shaped link, and fixed to the latter, by gluing or the like, or by fastening from a lower surface not visible when the bracelet is worn by a user, so as to invisibly enclose the pins of the two internal links;
• there figure 5 represents, similarly to the figure 4 , another section of bracelet, which corresponds to the variant of the figure 1 , and which comprises an H-shaped link here not limiting the thickness of the bracelet, provided with pins, which are enclosed invisibly between the upper and lower half-bearings of upper and lower parts of internal links;
• there figure 6 represents, schematically, and in perspective, a bracelet comprising such an alternation of external H-shaped links and internal links, with an intermediate clasp, and end links for its attachment to a watch case or the like;
• there figure 7 represents, schematically, partially, and in plan, a watch provided with such a bracelet;
• there figure 8 represents, schematically, partially, and in plan, a jewel provided with such a bracelet;
• there figure 9 represents, schematically, and in plan, a bracelet section with another variant of outer link with two double clevises, comprising a transverse link joining its side flanges, and comprising a junction crosspiece cooperating with the upper and lower half-bearings upper and lower parts of intermediate internal links, which are arranged to come superimposed on the transverse upright or in its extension;
• there figure 10 represents, schematically, and in plan, a bracelet section with yet another link variant, all the links being Y-shaped and made in two parts, upper and lower.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The object of the invention is to produce bracelets on which no articulation is apparent, at least on the traditional visible surfaces, that is to say the upper surface, and the edge surfaces on the sides. More particularly, the invention also allows the lower surface, intended to be in contact with the skin or clothing of the user, to also be devoid of any fastening or articulation element.

The invention is more particularly described with traditional joints, each combining, about a joint axis, a pivot movable in rotation in a bearing, or a bearing movable in rotation about a pivot.

The principle of the invention consists in making certain links in several parts, in particular two upper and lower parts, extending substantially on either side of a plane passing through the axis of articulation. More generally, such a two-part link defines at least one chamber, for example such a bearing, for each time enclosing a male part of an antagonistic link, for example such a journal.

When this link is an intermediate link comprising a hinge at each end, each upper or lower part extends substantially on either side of a plane passing through the two hinge axes of this link. When this link is an end link comprising a single articulation at a single end, each upper or lower part extends substantially on either side of a plane passing through this axis of articulation of this link and the surface junction between the upper part and the lower part. It is understood that the link can be curved, in which case each upper or lower part follows substantially the curve of the link, the junction surface between the upper part and the lower part is then not necessarily flat.

The figures illustrate a particular non-limiting variant, where the pivots are cylindrical journals, and where the bearings are also cylindrical. Naturally many other arrangements are possible, in particular the cooperation of a cylindrical pin with a bearing made up of two half-bearings each comprising a support V, or, in a similar and inverted way, a regular polygonal pin geometrically inscribed in a cylinder and cooperating with a cylindrical bearing consisting of two half-bearings of cylindrical profile. These examples are not limiting, and the simplest machining may be preferred, especially for certain links made of materials that are difficult to machine.

The term “trunnion” and the term “half-bearings” used in the remainder of this description are therefore not restricted to cylindrical geometries. It will be noted, in this regard, that conical executions are also achievable, provided that the directions of conicity are opposed at each end of each articulation.

The principle of links in several parts, in particular two upper and lower parts, is also applicable to other less common types of joint, for example a joint extending substantially along the length of the bracelet and comprising a ball at the end of a rod, and movable in a spherical housing, or the like.

Thus the invention relates to a bracelet 1 with articulated links 2. This bracelet 1 comprises at least a first link 3 and a second link 4, and at least one articulation 10 between this first link 3 and this second link 4. This second link 4 comprises a tongue 9, which is arranged to pivot in an opening 90 between side flanges 5 and 6 of the first link 3, which together form a double yoke.

At at least one joint 10, the first link 3, or respectively the second link 4, comprises at least one outer pin 73, or respectively at least one inner pin 74, which is arranged to pivot in at least one half- internal bearing 84 that comprises the second link 4, or respectively in at least one external half-bearing 83 that comprises the first link 3. And the second link 4, or respectively the first link 3, comprises at least an upper part 48, 38 , and a lower part 49, 39, which are arranged to enclose and hide between them each outer pin 73, or respectively each inner pin 74.

In a particular embodiment of this bracelet 1, the upper part 48, 38, and the lower part 49, 39, are assembled irreversibly to each other and cannot be dismantled, around each external pin 73, or respectively each internal pin 74. This variant frees the lower surface of the bracelet from any visible fastening element.

In another particular embodiment of this bracelet 1, not illustrated in the figures, the upper part 48, 38, and the lower part 49, 39, are assembled to each other in a removable manner, around each external pin 73 , or respectively of each internal journal 74. This variant may for example comprise a screw accessible from the lower surface of the bracelet, bearing on a lower part 49, 39, and in engagement with a blind thread that comprises the upper part 48, 38, or any other similar type of fixing.

In a particular embodiment according to the invention, so as to reduce the number of components and the machining operations, at the level of at least one articulation 10, an external journal 73, or respectively at least one internal journal 74, is in one piece. with the first link 3 or respectively the second link 4. Similarly, in a variant, an internal half-bearing 84, or respectively an external half-bearing 83, is integral with the second link 4, or respectively the first link 3 .

In another embodiment, at the level of at least one articulation 10, an external pin 73, or respectively an internal pin 74, is attached in a housing 730, 740, which comprises the first link 3, or respectively the second link 4. Similarly, in a variant, an internal half-bearing 84, or respectively an external half-bearing 83, is attached to the second link 4, or respectively to the first link 3.

In a particular embodiment, at the level of at least one articulation 10, an external journal 73, or respectively at least one internal journal 74, is crossing, and joins the side plates 5, 6 to each other.

There figure 1 shows a section of bracelet 1 according to the invention, comprising a first link 3 which is an external link in the shape of a capital H, with two double clevises, each comprising two complete pins 73 called external pins, here pins of revolution, turned towards the middle of the link and opposed to each other, and each cooperating with a half-bearing 84 that includes an end tongue 9 of a lower part 49 of a second link 4 which is an internal link, which is of different shape of the H-shaped link and inserted in the double carrier yoke of these two external journals, in the left part of the figure; this lower part 49 of the second internal link 4 here extends over half the thickness of the bracelet, and is delimited by a plane passing through a hinge axis A along which the axes of its two half-bearings are aligned.

There picture 2 shows an inverse configuration to that of the figure 1 , with a lower part 39 of another first link 3 in the shape of a capital H with two double clevises: each clevis comprises a half-bearing 83, arranged to receive a complete trunnion 74, called internal trunnion, here of revolution, that comprises an end tongue 9 of another second internal link 4, which is of a different shape from the H-shaped link, and inserted in the double yoke carrying these two half-bearings, in the left part of the figure; this time it is the lower part 39 of the H-shaped link which extends over half the thickness of the bracelet, and is delimited by a plane passing through a hinge axis along which the axes of its two half-bearings are aligned .

There picture 3 shows this configuration of the picture 2 , where two second internal links 4, here not limiting the thickness of the bracelet, comprise complete journals 74 which are housed in the respective half-bearings 83 of the lower part 39 of a first link 3 in H, which here comprises an interior blind relief chamber, or which could comprise an opening, or an added component, in particular crimped such as a gemstone, a cameo, an added decoration, or other.

There figure 4 represents the same section of bracelet, which is closed, after having been completed by an upper part 38 of the first H-shaped link 3, also comprising half-bearings, and which is arranged on the lower part 39 of this H-shaped link, and fixed to the latter, by gluing or the like, or by fixing from a lower surface not visible when the bracelet is worn by a user, so as to invisibly enclose the pins of the two internal links. This figure 4 shows the joint plane P between the upper part 38 and the lower part 39 of the first link 3. This non-limiting variant also shows a bore 740 of the second link 4 on the right in the figure, arranged to receive an insert pin to form a pin 74.

There figure 5 shows another section of bracelet, which corresponds to the variant of the figure 1 , and which comprises a first link 3 in H here without limiting the thickness of the bracelet, provided with pins, which are enclosed invisibly between the upper and lower half-bearings of upper 48 and lower 49 parts of second internal links 4 , and whose joint plane P is visible in the figure, as well as the bearing formed by two half-bearings 84, to the left of the figure;

In a particular execution visible on the figure 9 , the first link 3 is an outer link in the shape of an H, which comprises a transverse upright 91 joining the side flanges 5 and 6, and the second link 4 is an inner link, which is arranged to overlap the transverse upright 91, or in the extension of the transverse upright 91. This first link 3 here comprises a single junction crosspiece replacing the two pins of the other variants, and cooperating with the upper and lower half-bearings of the second internal link 4.

In a particular execution visible on the figure 10 , the first link 3 and the second link 4 are identical and are Y-shaped. More particularly, all the links being Y-shaped and made in two parts, upper and lower.

In a particular embodiment, at least one upper part 48, 38, and/or one lower part 49, 39, is made of ceramic.

More specifically, all of the tops 48, 38 are ceramic.

More particularly, all the lower parts 49, 39 are made of ceramic.

More particularly, all of the upper parts 48, 38, and all the lower parts 49, 39, are ceramic.

The invention also relates to a watch 100 comprising such a bracelet 1, visible on the figure 7 .

The invention also relates to a jewel 200 comprising such a bracelet 1, visible on the figure 8 .

• on se munit d'une partie inférieure d'un maillon femelle en deux parties, comportant au moins un demi-palier définissant un axe d'articulation ;
• on dispose sur cette partie inférieure un autre maillon mâle comportant au moins un tourillon apte à coopérer en guidage en rotation avec ce demi-palier, qu'on insère dans ce demi-palier ;
• on se munit d'une partie supérieure du même maillon en deux parties, complémentaire à cette partie inférieure, et comportant au moins un demi-palier définissant un axe d'articulation et agencé pour coopérer en guidage en rotation avec ce tourillon;
• on enferme chaque tourillon de ce maillon mâle, selon au moins cet axe d'articulation, entre cette partie inférieure et cette partie supérieure ;
• on solidarise cette partie inférieure et cette partie supérieure ;
• on répète cette opération pour chaque assemblage articulé de ce bracelet.

The invention also relates to a method for assembling an articulated bracelet, according to which:

• a lower part is provided with a female link in two parts, comprising at least one half-bearing defining a hinge pin;
• there is placed on this lower part another male link comprising at least one pin capable of cooperating in guiding in rotation with this half-bearing, which is inserted into this half-bearing;
• an upper part of the same link is provided in two parts, complementary to this lower part, and comprising at least one half-bearing defining an axis of articulation and arranged to cooperate in guiding in rotation with this pin;
• each trunnion of this male link is enclosed, along at least this axis of articulation, between this lower part and this upper part;
• this lower part and this upper part are joined together;
• this operation is repeated for each articulated assembly of this bracelet.

More particularly, this lower part and this upper part are secured irreversibly and unremovably.

In short, the invention simply produces an articulated bracelet with invisible articulation.

In a particular embodiment, a link in two parts, in particular a central link, makes it possible to enclose the male guides, such as pins, or trunnions or the like.

The fixing of the two pet parts is done by gluing, driving, induction welding, induction brazing, or other.

The invention is particularly suited to the production of bracelets in materials that are difficult to machine, such as ceramics, or the like.

The advantage of the invention is the absence of any visible pin, or any visible joint machining. This makes it possible in particular to use the edges of the strap for decorations.

Claims (14)

1. Bracelet (1) with articulated links (2), comprising at least a first link (3) and a second link (4), and at least one articulation (10) between one said first link (3) and one said second link (4) which comprises a tongue (9) that is arranged to pivot within an opening (90) between side flanges (5; 6) of said first link (3) jointly forming a double clevis fitting, and wherein, at at least one said articulation (10), said first link (3) or respectively said second link (4) comprises at least one external trunnion (73) or respectively at least one internal trunnion (74) arranged to pivot within at least one internal half-bearing (84) comprised in said second link (4), or respectively within at least one external half-bearing (83) comprised in said first link (3), and wherein said second link (4) or respectively said first link (3) comprises at least an upper part (48; 38) and a lower part (49; 39) arranged to enclose and conceal therebetween each said external trunnion (73) or respectively each said internal trunnion (74), characterised in that, at at least one said articulation (10), one said external trunnion (73) or respectively at least one internal trunnion (74) is made in one piece with said first link (3) or respectively said second link (4).
2. Bracelet (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that said upper part (48; 38) and said lower part (49; 39) are irreversibly assembled with one another and cannot be separated, about each said external trunnion (73) or respectively each said internal trunnion (74).
3. Bracelet (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that, at at least one said articulation (10), one said external trunnion (73) or respectively at least one said internal trunnion (74) is fixed inside a recess (730; 740) comprised in said first link (3) or respectively said second link (4).
4. Bracelet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that, at at least one said articulation (10), one said external trunnion (73) or respectively at least one internal trunnion (74) is penetrating and joins said side flanges (5; 6) to one another.
5. Bracelet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that said first link (3) is an H-shaped external link comprising a crosspiece (91) joining said side flanges (5; 6), and in that said second link (4) is an internal link arranged to be superimposed with said crosspiece (91) or in the continuation of said crosspiece (91).
6. Bracelet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that said first link (3) and said second link (4) are identical and are Y-shaped.
7. Bracelet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that at least one said upper part (48; 38), or/and one said lower part (49; 39), is made of ceramic.
8. Bracelet (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that all of said upper parts (48; 38) are made of ceramic.
9. Bracelet (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that all of said lower parts (49; 39) are made of ceramic.
10. Bracelet (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that all of said upper parts (48; 38) and all of said lower parts (49; 39) are made of ceramic.
11. Watch (100) comprising a bracelet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10.
12. Piece of jewellery (200) comprising a bracelet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10.
13. Method for assembling an articulated bracelet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that:

    - a lower part of a two-part female link is provided, comprising at least one half-bearing defining an articulation axis;

    - a further male link is disposed on this lower part and comprises at least one trunnion capable of cooperating with this half-bearing by rotational guiding, and which is inserted into this half-bearing;

    - an upper part of the same two-part link is provided, and is complementary to this lower part, and comprises at least one half-bearing defining an articulation axis and arranged to cooperate with this trunnion by rotational guiding;

    - each trunnion of this male link is enclosed, along at least this articulation axis, between this lower part and this upper part;

    - this lower part and this upper part are secured to one another;

    - this operation is repeated for each articulated joint of this bracelet.
14. Method according to claim 13, characterised in that this lower part and this upper part are irreversibly and inseparably secured to one another.

Images